- All subjects must have the ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent that has been approved by the City of Hope (COH) Institutional Review Board (IRB); the patient, a family member and transplant staff physician (physician, nurse, and social worker) will meet at least once prior to the subject signing consent; during this meeting all pertinent information with respect to risks and benefits to donor and recipient will be presented; alternative treatment modalities will be discussed; the risks are explained in detail in the enclosed consent form